Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As regards Deputy Tóibín's point, I will investigate what the problem is with Lean for that company in Inishowen. I am not familiar with a difficulty but if the Deputy provides me with the details I will follow it up. While electricity costs are not a matter for my Department, they obviously depend on the power and continuity required by a customer.

There are problems with benefit withdrawal but most people who have been on the live register for over a certain period - if, for example, they are availing of revenue job assist - will get significant compensation both in the tax code and the ability to retain some of their allowances. Nonetheless, I accept that we need continually to seek to unwind those. I am aware of the impact of rent supplement in that area, although only a small proportion of the live register is affected by that.

Deputy Wallace raised the issue of making training compulsory. At the moment, the Government must be careful about imposing obligations - or what effectively would be levies - on employers at a time when they are struggling, particularly in the construction sector where they have experienced downsizing. We need, however, to create a culture in which industries actively plan the longer term development of skills that are needed in their sector. There are segments within industry that are going through a good growth phase. We should develop better arrangements for them for permanent placements and alliances with institutes of technology or the vocational education committees in order to have a regular flow and work experience. That would be our ambition.

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